By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – Wild jubilation erupted on Saturday as two female students from Government Secondary School (GSS) Oyibo, Rivers, beat 11 male students from six secondary schools in a quiz competition in Rivers.
Peace Nnanna and Ataisi Raphael triumphed in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and ‘Wild Card’ cetegory to win the 2024 Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Science Quiz Competition for secondary schools.
Bonny Gramma School, Bonny, finished runner up; Niger Delta Science School, Rumuola, took third, and Birabi Memorial Gramma School, Bori, finished fourth.
Others are Community Secondary School, Oroworokwo, placed fifth; Community Secondary School Obubo, Okirika claimed sixth, and Elitonia High School Borokiri, Port Harcourt, followed in seventh.
The theme for this year’s competition was ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI): Innovating the Future.’
Speaking, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr Andy Odeh, commended the winners for defying the odds to win this prestigious annual contest.
He said that the competition to prepare students for a future influenced by scientific and technological advancements.
According to him, AI was transforming the world, necessitating our understanding, embrace, and integration of it into our daily lives.
“From healthcare professionals using AI for precise diagnoses and treatments to students utilising AI tools for studies, technology is enhancing our lives in many ways.
“This competition tests our children’s knowledge, ignite their creativity, and hone their problem-solving skills essential for innovation.
“Through this competition, NLNG aim to promote scientific and technological literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, encouraging young people to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology,” he said.
Odeh emphasised that the quiz was part of the company’s broader social investment efforts in the communities it operates.
He stated that NLNG was committed to a better Nigeria and was collaborating with its partners and government to achieve this goal.
“We have constructed, renovated, and equipped engineering laboratories in six universities across Nigeria through NLNG University Support Programme.
“NLNG have also supported infrastructural development in host communities, renovating schools, and equipping libraries and science laboratories.
“Our post-primary, undergraduate, and postgraduate scholarship programmes continue to support students, particularly in our host communities,” he added.
Mrs Ebere Emenike, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, commended NLNG for facilitating an environment that inspires innovation.
She expressed the state government’s dedication to education and assured its willingness to collaborate with organisations to drive development.
“This competition has enriched our students’ STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education over the years, preparing them to tackle societal challenges,” she said.
Emenike urged organisations based in the Niger Delta to emulate NLNG and support the government’s development efforts.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prizes won by the contestants include, laptop computers, textbooks, and school bags, among others. (NAN)
